Frequently Asked Questions

TVH Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where will you send me? I don't want to end up in.....

This is the question we get asked the most - and we totally understand! For both our US and international surprise vacation packages, we'll send you to pretty well-traveled and known destinations. In the US, we look for medium to large cities where there is good public transit and enough to do, for example Miami, Seattle, Nashville. For our international or all-inclusive surprise trip packages, we send you to interesting destinations with good transit/tourism infrastructure and where you don't need a visa to visit - for example Europe or the Caribbean. For both US and international trips, you can let us know which places you definitely don't want to go in our trip survey! You can also check out our traveler testimonials to see where others have been.

If you'd like to choose the destination but have us plan the trip, you can use our trip planning service. We can either make the itinerary a surprise or work with you to plan a fabulous vacation!

Why would I want to go on a surprise vacation?

There are a ton of reasons! Perhaps you are spontaneous and love the idea of going somewhere unknown? Or you don't know where to go? You and your travel companions can't agree on a destination? Maybe you just don't have time to research and plan a trip? We could go on forever! If you're unsure if a surprise vacation is right for you, fill out our trip survey and we can work with you to plan a great trip!

What is the latest I can book my trip?

We highly recommend booking your surprise vacation as soon as possible to maximize the suspense and adventure. More practically, airfare and accommodation prices are less expensive the further out you book, so we'll have more options for where to send you. For those going on a surprise trip, we want you to be excited for your clues and to have time to make some great guesses and for our traditional trips (not a surprise) we want to be able to book tours and activities that may sell out quickly. The absolute latest you can book a surprise vacation is 2 weeks from your departure date - but please don't wait that long!

Who can book a surprise vacation?

Our surprise vacation packages are priced for travelers leaving from the US and should only be booked by those that are 18 years or older. You'll also need a valid government issued ID (like a driver's license or passport). If you'd like to travel internationally and have a passport from another country, just let us know in the trip survey!

Travelers from outside the US are totally welcome to book a trip with us, we just ask that you use our trip planning service (we can still make it a surprise) and let us know in our trip survey!

I’m not into the whole surprise vacation thing, can you just plan me a regular trip?

Sure! If you know where you want to go (or even if you don't), we’ll work with you to plan and customize a trip just for you! Fill out our trip survey and check the "trip planning" option, and we'll work together to build your next perfect vacation!

What is included in the surprise vacation packages?

We believe in spontaneity and want to give you the opportunity to explore as you wish! Our surprise vacation packages include flights, accommodations, some activities, taxes, and fees. All of our trips include personalized recommendations for tours, dining and transportation.

Our "All-Inclusive Escape" packages include all of the above as well as all food and drinks (including alcohol), shared transfers from the destination airport to the resort, and on-site activities & entertainment.

Our "All-American Adventure" and "International Intrigue" packages are not all-inclusive, so they do not include airport transfers, getting around town, food or drinks.

If you'd like to request anything in particular, let us know in your trip survey!

Airlines: We will only book you on full service airlines (think American Airlines, Southwest, Air France, Delta, etc.) We will usually not book on discount airlines (like Spirit or Frontier).

Accommodations: We avoid economy/budget lodging and will usually book you in a 3 star or higher hotel. For our all-inclusive packages, we try to book beachfront resorts. We research and select only highly reviewed hotels and resorts.

Transportation: For our "All-American Adventure" and "International Intrigue" surprise vacation packages, your trip details will include local transportation tips. We will select lodging with good access to local public transit options and ride sharing services. We'll make sure you have a great trip without a rental car!

All-inclusive packages will include shared airport transfers between the destination airport and the resort.

Pre-planned activities: Pre-planned activities depend on your responses to the trip survey and where you're going. Some examples include a walking tour, food tour or a museum. All-inclusive resorts have on-site activities and entertainment programs.

Your envelope will contain your flight reservation, hotel reservation, activity information/tickets and tips for dining and transportation. In addition, we'll include a page with your destination printed in big letters on it (take a picture with it and send it to us!)

Can we fly out of different airports?

Of course! This is one of the best things about our surprise vacation packages - they are personalized just for you! If you and your travel companion need to fly out of different airports, just say so in our trip survey and we'll coordinate it!

Can we split payments?

Yes, you can! We've enabled our system to allow you to purchase a surprise vacation package 1 traveler at a time, so that you can pay separately. We just ask that you make it clear on the trip survey that you're traveling together, so that we can match you up.

If you're using our trip planning service, we can also split the cost of your trip into multiple payments, just let us know!

Why does a solo surprise vacation package cost more?

Traveling with others means sharing a hotel room. Traveling solo, you get a room all to yourself, but you don't get to split the cost.

Do you offer trip insurance?

Yes! The cost of the travel insurance depends on the number of travelers, where you are going, the cost of your trip and other things. If you want travel insurance we will send you a quote, which you have the option of purchasing later, in some cases up to the day before your departure. Your payment to The Vacation Hunt does not cover the cost of travel insurance.

What are your fees? Do you store my payment info?

For our surprise vacation packages, our small fee is built in. The hotel or resort may charge a local tax or resort fee, which varies by destination, number of nights, and number of guests. We will do our best to inform you ahead of time how much to expect the tax/fee to be.

For our trip planning service, we charge a set fee based on the length of the vacation, which does not include your travel costs.

What if I don’t like my surprise destination?

We really hope that you like where we send you! We work very hard to match you with a destination based on your preferences. Part of the adventure is seeing where life takes you. We will provide you with recommended activities based on your preferences so hopefully you’ll discover something new and fun at any destination!

Other rules for surprise vacation packages?

What if I need a refund or need to make changes?

We work hard to make sure you have a great time, but we understand that things happen and plans change. We ask that you triple check to make sure all names match your government issued ID and if you are flying internationally, that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return. Due to the nature of booking fees, we cannot offer you a full refund. If you need to change anything after we've booked your surprise trip package or cancel your trip, we charge a $150 change/cancellation fee in addition to the fees charged by the airlines, hotels and payment processors. In some cases, this can be the total cost of your trip. If you've used our trip planning service, our fee is non-refundable and you'll be charged the fees imposed by the airlines, hotels and payment processors. If you need to make any changes or cancel your trip, contact us immediately and we will do our best!

Still have questions? Send us a note at team@thevacationhunt.com or use our contact page!